India and Japan signed a Memorandum of Implementation (MoI) for the “co-development” of UNICORN (Unified Complex Radio Antenna) mast.
Key points
- It will used for fitment on Indian Naval warships under the framework of the India-Japan Defence Technology Cooperation.
- The UNICORN is a mast with integrated communication systems which will help improve the stealth characteristics of Naval platforms. Actually, it is a conical structure that houses antennas atop warships increasing their stealth characteristics.
- Once implemented, this would be the first export case of defence technology from Japan under the bilateral agreement on defence equipment and technology transfer signed in 2015.
- The joint statement issued after the 2+2 inter-Ministerial dialogue in August 2024 had referred to discussions over the early transfer of UNICORN and related technologies.
- The Indian Navy is pursuing the induction of these advanced systems which will be co-developed by Bharat Electronics Limited in India with Japanese collaboration.
